Let's all agree to disagree!
On that I will agree! Otherwise, what momma said goes here...ain't got nothing good to say...don't say it.
Let's all agree to disagree!
Sorry, I'm cursed (or blessed). Rose colored glasses never worked on me.
I see things as they are, no sugar coating.
That's why I label myself in my signature the pessimistic optimist.
I see what they could be but also as they are and know they will never be
because of human nature.
Imagine all colors and beliefs working together to make a better place instead of arguing over how to build it ?
How strong would that country be ?
Blancabusa I commend you for taking the risk to post a thought here that inspires reflection and discourse on a level deeper than the typical thread found here. Topics of this level of complexity are what makes participating here interesting for members like myself.
I'm also encouraged to see there are more voices of reason participating in this thread than there have been in the past. While there is still some of the bigotry, ignorance, and judgemental attitude from those who believe they have a moral compass superior to anyone else, it is nice to see more than one or two members expressing rational thought in their responses. That has not always been the case here.
Thanks to the moderators as well. It seems they have been working overtime lately, and I appreciate their willingness to give us enough rope to hang ourselves if we so choose. I do not envy their task.
Blanca, you've had the opportunity to travel quite a bit, and it shows in your original premise...that at our core as human beings, all but an extremely tiny fraction of a percentage of us share some common desires. Everyone wants a better life for themselves, and a better life for their children. When I read your first post in this thread I was reminded of a great quote I read somewhere, the origin of which I don't know:
"Travel replaces an empty mind with an open one."
Someone in this thread asked a great question about whether we would come to the defense of our fellow Americans if we were threatened from outside. It is my opinion that the better question is "Will we defend our fellow Americans from threats from within?" The answer to that question is not encouraging if one looks at history.
For example, and to tie in a bit of the "Tyranny of the Majority" point that was brought up earlier in a different thread, I propose we recall the Salem Witch Trials...where God-fearing Americans worked themselves into such a state of paranoia that they turned upon themselves...members of their own beliefs. Ignorance coupled with piety can be an extremely dangerous combination regardless of what religous affiliation it comes from. That many Americans place more value on faith than critical thinking skills is disturbing when one considers where this can lead.
If you prefer, recall the internment of patriotic Americans at the beginning of American involvement in World War 2 simply because we were more interested in how people were different than what we shared in common. We're quite capable of turning on ourselves very quickly.
I am reminded of this writing:
"THEY CAME FIRST for the Communists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Communist.
THEN THEY CAME for the trade unionists,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a trade unionist.
THEN THEY CAME for the Jews,
and I didn't speak up because I wasn't a Jew.
THEN THEY CAME for me
and by that time no one was left to speak up."
To conclude my participation in this thread (I will make no response to any portions of this writing quoted out of context), there would be little to fear in "differences" if we as a species were wise enough to accept, find value in diversity, and realize we all share some commonality regardless of nationality, race, sexual preference, caste, or religous affiliation or lack thereof. Such a world is difficult to achieve when there are politicians, priests, and pundits earning a living by dividing us into subcategories, then making us afraid of one another.
Unfortunately with the creation of nuclear and biological weapons it doesn't take many ignorant people to exterminate all of us.
Thanks again to Blanca, our moderators, and the rational voices in this thread.
F=MA;2475717 While there is still some of the bigotry said:F=MA, you hit the proverbial nail squarely on it's head with this comment. Thanks for your well written and accurate post!
Blanca, I agree with your beliefs we are the same but unfortunately our learned behaviour affects us and we have to overcome the negative teachings, or lack of teaching, in order to become better human beings.
Growing up in Memphis, I learned a pattern of beliefs that, as a young boy, I soon realized were not right, fair, etc....all based on stereotypical beliefs and thoughts. Most of us know right vs. wrong, although some still have a muddled belief on that as well. Posts such as this thread are risky, but thought provoking and enjoyable for some here. But you will always have that fringe element that always believe they have the ultimate, deity provided, political solution. Regards!
Oh no no, if I've given the impression that I blame others that is certainly not
the case. The rose colored glasses don't work in the mirror either and I believe
I'm harder on myself than anyone else...I'm all for personal accountability.
And I thank God for all the blessings he's bestowed upon me, and they be
many and I deserve none.
(Regardless, my brother is still a huge horses )
Now you are correct, my friend. It is the beliefs that make the difference.
And that is why I am against religion.
Black , brown , white ,
gays getting married ,
Atheist , Muslim ,
Christian , Jew ,
straight , poor , rich ,
conservative , liberal ,
single mother on welfare ,
criminal , victim , child ,
the elderly , father , son ,
daughter , mother ,
black sheep , thin ,
fat , the healthy , sick ,
the beautiful and ugly
are all deserving of our
compassion and understanding .
Truth be told ,
it is a philosophy
folks on THE.oRg
could express more .
John 13 : 1 - 35 ~
cheers
ken